Emily Cappa

I don’t leave reviews on things but I felt inclined to do so after I read some of the 1 start reviews that were left here, shaming Alex for the choices she made. Stating that “emotional abuse is not the same as physical abuse”, that she’s a “privileged pretty white girl” who was being a cry baby for cleaning houses for a living. That she was endangering her child by choosing not to surround her by men who made her feel afraid. THIS is why women are so afraid to talk about abuse they are going through. This is my interpretation of this show, but I think that the director intended for her situation to be “not the worst situation she could have been in” on purpose, because that’s the most controversial topic. If Sean had simply beat her face in every day, nobody would have questioned Alex’s decisions. But since Sean was (in my opinion) a more relatable and common scenario of an abusive partner who may not hit her in the face (yet!!!!), people are going to argue that it’s “not abuse” and that’s the real problem in this society. Sean had a lot of depth to his problems: childhood abuse, alcoholism, etc. but was kind on other days because he has a mental illness and needs help. Sean is confusing to be around (like many abusive partners) because of how much whiplash he causes with his kind days and his bad days. Alex’s mom was a very blunt example of someone who downplays abusive relationships like Alex’s and Sean’s. But why should Alex stay with Sean, or put her and her child in danger? I think this show did an amazing job of bringing awareness to situations like Alex’s, an abusive relationship that so many would undermine, and sent a positive message to those who are experiencing these same scenarios in real life that they can do better for themselves!! At the end of the day, this is a TV show, it’s entertainment and it’s not going to be exactly spot on, but I personally love this encouragement sent out to women going through situations ALONE that they are strong and they do have options!! Any situation can be realistic if you make it that way. And I encourage others to stop judging others choices and start spreading more positivity, encouragement, help and love. Because sooo many women (and men!) are in need of this.